As the Volunteer Center of the Lehigh Valley’s monthlong “Breakfast With Champions” virtual series continues to highlight exceptional volunteers across the region, a new round of nominees for the “Most Reliable” and “Organizational Advocate” categories were celebrated April 14-20.

Jan O’Keefe was recognized as a “Most Reliable” volunteer contender for her dedication to the NORWESCAP Food Bank and the group’s thrift store, the Traditions Family Success Center, where she performs a wide variety of tasks.

“Jan O’Keefe has garnered more service hours than any of our volunteers,” food bank staff wrote about O’Keefe’s nomination, “she goes above and beyond on a regular basis.

“She has helped our thrift store realize increased sales over the past few years through her hard work and dedication. We love her!”

The next “Most Reliable” nominee was Karen Kane with the Cancer Support Community of the Lehigh Valley. Cancer Support Community staff praised Kane for her 100 percent commitment to her weekly volunteer duties.

“She is one of the first people they contact when in need of a last minute volunteer,” the Volunteer Center wrote in Kane’s commemoration post. “She is able to fill in at any capacity from office work to outreach. They are very grateful to have Karen as part of the volunteer team!”

Kelly Nelson from the Eastern PA Down Syndrome Center was also featured as an entrant for “Most Reliable” volunteer.

“Kelly stepped in as board president when the current president had to take an unexpected medical leave,” EPDSC staff wrote. “In the past year since, she has been an incredible asset to staff, volunteers and families at the EPDSC, giving hours of her time weekly to ensure everyone is taken care of and is being heard.”

Another featured selection for “Most Reliable” was Kristy Minier, with The Salvation Army Children Services Foster Care and Adoption Program, where she serves as an active member of the advisory board and volunteer.

“Kristy is the person we could call day or night with a need, and she would make it happen, no questions asked,” Salvation Army Children’s Services wrote in honor of Minier’s nomination. “As anyone who works with volunteers knows, a truly reliable, trustworthy volunteer is pure gold!”

Rosanne Venditto was the next nominee for “Most Reliable” volunteer for her work with the Mercy School for Special Learning where she “embodies the spirit of volunteerism and fully supports our mission,” according to school staff.

“Her keen attention to the academic needs of our students, her desire to take part in our Reading projects, her willingness to play the organ at school masses, her openness to chaperoning school trips, just to name a few, truly make her ‘volunteer extraordinaire!’”

Liz Christ was also honored as a “Most Reliable” candidate for her more than 20 years of volunteer work with Forgotten Felines and Fidos, Germansville.

“She is always just a phone call away if the shelter manager is in need of help and always willing to lend a hand!” the Volunteer Center wrote about Christ. “The animals definitely know they are not forgotten when Liz is around!”

Closing out the “Most Reliable” category was Edie DeProfio for her work with the Third Street Alliance for Women and Children.

“Edie is our most steadfast volunteer,” Third Street Alliance said in DeProfio’s nomination post.

“Whatever the need - clerical, event, helping hands, Edie is always there first to step up.”

The next day the “Organizational Advocate” volunteer series kicked off with the nomination of Barat Smith, senior director of operations with the PHL-1 Wolf Pack Walmart e-commerce team, who volunteers with New Bethany Ministries, Bethlehem.

New Bethany Ministries said Smith and the Wolf Pack have been community partners for more than 20 years donating time, food and money in support of its mission. In 2018, they donated more than $26,000.

“The team has committed to serving our community members facing poverty, hunger and homelessness,” ministry staff said. “This is a true example of the power of corporate social responsibility and a reliable community partner.”

The second nominee for “Organizational Advocate” was Pearl Schmier for her service with the Cancer Support Community of the Greater Lehigh Valley, where she is a new member orientation volunteer.

“She has dedicated her time to giving new members a positive and informative first time experience,” staff wrote about Schmier’s dedication. “She communicates our mission to each and every new member who attends our orientation, as well as the community at outreach events.”

On April 20, two more “Organizational Advocate” nominees were announced.

The first was Patti Meckes from Forgotten Felines and Fidos.

“Patti has been volunteering at Forgotten Felines for about three years,” her nomination post said. “For the last year, she has been the person that is handling the calls and scheduling cat and kittens for our spay and neuter surgery days.”

The volunteer center thanked Meckes and Forgotten Felines for “helping to control the pet population and supporting healthy lives for our four legged friends.”

The second “Organizational Advocate” entrant was Heather Kasarda, an intake and unit supervisor with Lehigh County Juvenile Probation, who volunteers with the Mercy School for Special Learning as board secretary and co-chairwoman of the gala fundraiser.

“Not only has Heather been a primary planner for this event (and for others, such as our annual golf event), she also participates at the gala itself in song and dance performances by our students,” staff wrote. “Heather has been giving generously of her time and talent at Mercy for a long time, and is always shouting our mission from the mountain tops.”

New entries into the “Breakfast With Champions” virtual series were posted every weekday morning in April on the Volunteer Center’s Facebook page at facebook.com/volunteerlv.